Social Worker

Job Summary Provides psychosocial assessment of behavioral health patients. Provides supportive counseling and education to patients and families. Provides linkage to resources in the community. Essential Functions Group Psychotherapy: Conducts educational group sessions, displaying good theoretical knowledge of subject matter and effective communication skills. Prepares group topics appropriate to the patient population. Individual/Family Psychotherapy: Provides family sessions that demonstrate good theoretical knowledge of therapeutic principles. Makes referrals as appropriate. Provides ongoing education to patients and families as needed. Abuse Issues: Can identify victims of abuse. Knows the protocol for reporting abuse. Familiar with classes of abuse. Documentation: Completes progress notes according to department standards. Notes reflect the patient’s progress toward short-term goals. Notes are legible. Treatment Plan: Assists with development of individualized treatment plans. Plans written according to policy. Goals are measurable and plans are legible. Time Management Skills: Sets priorities and uses work time efficiently during increased workload. Meets deadlines. Psychosocial Assessment: Conducted according to state/department standards. Demonstrates good interviewing, diagnostic, and report writing skills. Patient Advocacy: Advocates for services for assigned patients. Completes forms to assist patient entitlements. Crisis Management: Evaluates patient in crisis situation. Recognizes warning signs of aggressive behavior. Mental Status Exam: Evaluates patient’s mental status and uses it in treatment planning. Telephone Skills: Answers the telephone professionally. Ensures messages are updated appropriately. Discharge Planning: Participates in discharge planning throughout treatment. Involves family and referral sources in the plan. Age Specific: Demonstrates understanding of developmental stages of assigned patients. Trans-cultural Competencies: Understands different cultures and belief systems. Implements interventions tailored to cultural contexts. Other Duties: Performs other duties in a timely, thorough manner. Minimum Education/Certifications Graduate degree in social work or sociology; master’s in social work required. Licensure: NJ LSW or LCSW required. Minimum Work Experience One to three years of acute care setting or behavioral health experience preferred. Physical Requirements Full range of body motion, including handling and lifting patients and equipment. Occasionally lifts items up to 50 lbs. Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range. Working Conditions Work under stressful conditions with flexible hours. Requires discretion, independent action, and judgment. #J-18808-Ljbffr